Safari - Animal Tracks

For the last week of school we focused on matching in our classroom and we took it to the next step. All year long we matched colors, shapes, letters, but we took the kiddos out of their element on Friday and we went on Safari in Africa!

To make the trip more realistic and really get the kiddos involved, we had to go through a "metal detector," check our tickets, and get on our "plane" to fly all the way from Indiana to Africa.

Tickets
- print out ticket from google images
- whiteout names
- make copies on heavy paper
- cut and laminate

Metal detector
- Flip chart without the chart


The day before we created our safari vests.

I went to Kroger to grab what I could in regular size paper bags, but just a heads up, they start charging for paper bags after you take a certain number.

- Cut the bags down the middle on the non-logo side
- cut head hole
- cut arm holes
- Label each vest with name of child under the title of Safari Guide
- have children make their vest their own with safari stamps, stickers, or gadgets they would bring with them on safari

Each child received an Animal Track Guide so that when we came across some African animal tracks around our school, we could look at our track guide and see what type of animal is loose at our school! Disclaimer: set up time takes about 20 minutes, make sure its a day that you are flexible.




My kiddos are still working on letter recognition so I decided to have pictures accommodating each footprint, but here is a great guide I found at http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-stock-photos-african-animal-tracks-image5216323 that includes names of animals without pictures for kiddos in 3rd or 4th grade.

If you don't have play binoculars in your classroom, tape two of these bad boys together, add string, and BAM! insta-binocular!

Until next time - I'll see you on the wild side!